The Barrels seen in Smash most resemble those from the Donkey Kong series. In the original Donkey Kong, they act as hazards which Donkey Kong throws at Mario; if Mario gets hit by a barrel he loses a life. Barrels also feature prominently in the Donkey Kong Country games, appearing in roles such as objects that could be thrown by the players, enemy projectiles, and a respawn mechanism.

Overall, barrels work very similarly to crates. When a character picks up a barrel, they lose the ability to jump or attack, and (with the exception of Donkey Kong) their movement speed is greatly lowered due to the barrel's massive weight. Barrels can be thrown up, forward, or down.

If a standing barrel is hit with a weak attack or lands on a sloped surface it starts rolling across the stage; if a rolling barrel hits a fighter it breaks and the fighter takes medium knockback.

In the original Super Smash Bros., the player cannot move at all while holding a barrel, with the exception of Donkey Kong. Interestingly, Donkey Kong can not throw Barrels below him due to the way he carries the item. There is a 12.5% chance that barrels will explode upon being thrown, and in the case that it does, it may damage the player who threw it as well.

In Super Smash Bros. Melee, barrels can also very rarely release an Adventure Mode enemy, such as a ReDead, an Octorok, or a Goomba[1]. When they are thrown at opponents, they can deal 18 to 22% damage and good knockback. When they explode after hitting an opponent, they deal massive damage and strong knockback. They contain only one item each.

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl barrels, along with Crates, have a different appearance depending on what stage the match is fought. On more futuristic stages (e.g. Lylat Cruise) they take on a metallic appearance, while on more fantastical stages (e.g. Yoshi's Island) they look like wrapped-up presents.[2] Barrels also fly much farther and faster when struck. Additionally, if a rolling barrel comes to a rest, it stops being harmful to players and can be picked up and thrown again, or attacked to be either sent flying or broken.

Like Crates, Barrels are often filled with items and occasionally explosive. Thrown Barrels may break on contact or go rolling along the ground to smash into characters. Like the Crate, the Barrel is heavy, so it will restrict the speed at which the character carrying it can move. This speed differs between characters.

Item holders similar to crates-- their appearance will also change to fit the area. When you throw a barrel, it won't shatter, but rather roll across the stage. When a rolling barrel hits a character, that character gets sent sailing. Barrels are heavy, so you'll need two hands to pick them up, and your foot speed will decrease too.

These barrels are crammed full of items, but they're also incredibly tough to break. No baby hits here—attacking too lightly will just send the barrel rolling away, making it a dangerous obstacle for both you and your foes. And if others break the barrel, they'll get the items you wanted!

Barrels have all sorts of items inside, but they're tough! Hitting them lightly or throwing them might not be enough to get these things open. In fact, you might just end up sending them rolling, and just so you know, rolling barrels are a force to be reckoned with! They can send you flying off the stage!